Sewist’s Name: Darlene Bruehl
Type of Project: Dresses
Pattern: Liberty from LLK
Featured Date: 08-21-24
Dear sewing friends, My name is Darlene and the first project I wanted to share is dresses I made for two little girls in our church. They are the adopted daughters of our Youth Pastor (who already had 5 children). I have been doing sewing for their three older daughters for several years (I sew mostly bridal and formal). The older of the two was just enamored with my fabric stash…especially the quilt fabrics in a glass front cabinet in my sewing room. I asked her about her favorite flowers and colors and thought I’d make them special “sister dresses.” They were beyond thrilled! The pattern is Liberty from LLK. I love the traditional look.
The second project I want to share is probably the pinnacle of my career of sewing bridal for 55 years. It was designed by the bride, who happens to be my granddaughter. No pattern. She wanted something simple and fitted. We chose a stretch matte satin from FabricDirect.com and the perfect lace from OneYard on Etsy. Her middle name is Rose, so a rose motif was a “MUST”!! The train wasn’t very long since it was a small garden ceremony, so I designed the train to go up to just above her knees in the back to show her fabulous “runners legs”. (The bride and groom are both into fitness.) I met her in Ashville a couple of weeks before the wedding to deliver the dress. Two years ago, I took her (and her mom) to Paris to celebrate her graduation. I’m wearing the t-shirt I designed for the trip.
I watched Nancy for many years and even wrote to her on a few occasions. I have used her method for fitting every since she wrote the book. I continue to loan her book on beginning to sew to young mothers in my community along with machines I have thrifted, refurbished, and given away.
Thanks for letting me share my sewing joy with you!
Darlene Bruehl
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